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Pontypool artist exhibits her work

A PONTYPOOL artist is exhibiting her work after she picked up a paint brush again, five years ago.

Louise Collis, 38, from Garndiffaith, will exhibit up to 20 paintings at Y Galeri in Caerphilly from May 22.

She is also having her first solo exhibition at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff, between July 14 and 20, exhibiting 40 paintings.

She explained this is a dream come true, as after completing a degree at Bath College of Arts, she took up work as a designer. Then five years ago, while on a trip to Cornwall, she felt inspired and started painting again.

She said: “Since the trip I've been painting and I’m hoping to become an artist full time.

“Working as a designer meant I hadn’t been able to do anything creative so it feels great to be doing it again.”

She does all her paintings on site and she can be spotted in all weathers, as she tries to create two to three pieces a week.

She said: “I travel a lot to paint but I love painting in the South Wales Valleys as well as The Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.”

She is also taking part in the Crickhowell Art Trail, May 24- 26, and her studio on Nevill Street, Abergavenny, will be open to visitors.